People, Places, News & Views
People, Places, News & Views
After a quarter century at Haverford High, 2026’s National Teacher of the Year Leon Smith shares what he’s learned about connection, critical thinking, and helping young people see what they’re capable of.
Ben Franklin Stoked a Rivalry Between Boston and Philly
A brand-new book on the fave founding father examines the heady competition he ignited between Philly and Boston.
Lisa Scottoline on Her New Novel, South Philly Roots, and Nancy Drew
Philly’s most prolific novelist ever just released her 34th work of fiction.
Chris Rock Emerges Victorious at Chaotic Atlantic City Performance
Lines were long. Tempers were hot. But the comedian delivered the laughs.
45 Things You Never Knew About Ben Franklin
In advance of the new Ken Burns documentary, the lowdown on the life and loves of the Philly icon.
Philly Councilmembers Unveil Proposal to Tax Philly’s “Ultra-Rich”
The wealth tax, which could raise up to $280 million annually, targets directly held stocks and bonds. But it’s still a long shot in Council.
Councilmember Parker’s Plan to Fund the Police Is Wasteful and Regressive
The plan would increase spending to “reimagine policing in Philadelphia to ensure public safety.” It would only exacerbate the problem.
Brainiac scientists. The city’s most fanatical fans. A Mister Softee aficionado who stole our hearts — and more of our favorite neighbors this year
This city has had a love affair with the pitchers, running backs, goalies, and point guards who have called it home. Here, we present our definitive ranking. Let the debates begin.
Will Smith Went West Philly on Chris Rock — As He Should Have
Rock is just the latest to, as they say, eff around with Philly and find out. Many were displeased that Smith resorted to violence. I’m not one of them.
New Book Celebrates What Makes Philly a “City of Homes”
David S. Traub’s photographic journey through Philly’s residential architecture reveals deeper truths — and some neighborhood nostalgia.
Why the Fetterman vs. Lamb vs. Kenyatta Senate Primary Is the Race to Watch in May
All three represent different extremes of the party’s base. And the winner could determine the future of the Democratic Party in the state.
Daryl Hall on Philly Soul, Flunking Bio at Temple, and Opening for Bowie
Ahead of his April 9th Philly show, we talk with half of Hall & Oates about his solo retrospective, today’s musical landscape, and thanking nobody.
Code Switch
How (and why) the team best known for beating people up is on a mission to take the bullies off Broad Street.
Sure, Philly gave America democracy. But, from bubble gum to the world’s first computer to life-saving medical breakthroughs, Philadelphia’s greatest export is actually our influence.
We launched a petition to urge the Mayor and City Council to make May 21st a day to honor the brave former slave who escaped from George Washington — because no one tells Philadelphia to keep the truth to ourselves.
License-to-Carry Applications Have Skyrocketed In Philly — Even More Than You’d Think
“When I saw how high the numbers were, I had to call our stats department to make sure they were right,” a Philadelphia Police Department representative told us.
The Son Also Rises
It took me years of false starts and frustration to figure it out, but I’m coming to realize that my autistic child might know more about what’s important and how to live than I do.
Meet Alexandra Hunt, the Former Stripper Gunning for Dwight Evans’s House Seat
She’s garnered national buzz for her “Elect Hoes” slogan. Her war chest is approaching $500K. She’s been backed by former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson. Here’s how she plans to unseat an incumbent who’s been in politics longer than she’s been alive.
Daylight Saving Time Is Stupid and Expensive and Dangerous. Just End It.
Back and forth, back and forth — why do we keep on with this insanity?
